Mills Sr., James

James (Harry) Mills, Sr., 83, of Roanoke, passed away Monday evening, June 18, 2007. Harry was born September 27, 1923 in Radford, Va., a son of the late Thomas and Minnie Yearout Mills. He was the last surviving child out of ten children.

Harry married Elizabeth Coalson, a union of over 60 years; she preceded him in death on June 1, 1998. Harry retired as a utility mechanic for the Norfolk and Western Railway and later the Norfolk Southern Railway. Harry served in Asiatic Pacific Theatre in the U.S. Army during World War II earning among his medals the Meritorious Unit Award with three Bronze Clusters.

Harry leaves three children to cherish his memory, his sons, Averill L. Mills and wife, Betty, James H. Mills, Jr. and wife, Debbie; and his daughter, Evelyn and husband, Marvin Loyd, Sr. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Christina Loyd Saunders, Marvin Loyd, Jr., Matthew Mills, Jeffery Lee Mills, James H. Mills, III, Timothy Lee Mills and Stephen Allen Mills; and ten great-grandchildren.

A funeral service celebrating Harry’s life will be held at 12 Noon at the Lotz Roanoke Chapel on Franklin Road officiated by the Reverend Bryan Smith. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 20, 2007 from 2 to 4 p.m.. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolence may be made to the family at www.lotzfuneralhomes.com.